Wandy to miss start

Astros lefthander Wandy Rodriguez will miss his next scheduled spring start after being diagnosed Saturday with a strained left intercostals (rib cage) muscle.

Rodriguez suffered the injury during his second inning of Friday’s game against Washington, manager Cecil Cooper said. He missed two starts near the end of last season with a strained right oblique muscle.

“We’re just going to kind of back him up a little bit to get this squared away so it doesn’t became a major issue,” Cooper said. “He only felt it a little bit (Friday), so we’re going to take the precaution to try to get this squared away.”

Tejada to make trip

Shortstop Miguel Tejada plans to travel with the Astros today to Port St. Lucie. It’s rare for a veteran to make that trip, but Tejada plans to leave there and travel south Monday to meet up with the Dominican Republic national team in Jupiter, Fla.

Tejada informed the Astros on Friday he wanted to participate in the World Baseball Classic after being assured by manager Felipe Alou he wouldn’t have to play first base.

“I never really said I didn’t want to play,” Tejada said. “The reason I said I didn’t want to play was that it was uncommon I play first baseman. Everything changed because I talked to Felipe, and he called me. One thing I love to do is represent my country.”

Carlos Lee will stay with the Astros until joining the Panamanian national team Monday. Panama is working out at the Astros’ spring training facility.

Roy Oswalt will leave Sunday to work out in Clearwater, Fla., for three days with the U.S. team before traveling to Toronto for the first game.

Sampson progressing

Righthander Chris Sampson, who had offseason surgery on his right elbow, threw 30 pitches off the mound for the second day in a row Saturday and remains pleased with his progress.

“There were no issues with the elbow,” he said. “The other parts of the body that go with pitching have to get in shape. I felt like everybody else felt their first few bullpens they threw. It’s getting past that and getting the body in shape. The elbow feels great and it’s encouraging. It’s a big step in the right direction.”

Sampson will take two days off before throwing 40 pitches twice in the bullpen. He will then face hitters during batting practice and work a simulated game. He has a March 13 target of being game-ready.

Nervous father

Manager Cecil Cooper anticipated having a few butterflies Saturday night while watching his youngest daughter Tori, 15, sing the national anthem before the Rice-Texas A&M game at Minute Maid Park.

Cooper planned to watch the performance on his computer via a live video feed set up by the Astros.

“If she does real good, they promise me she’ll get an opportunity during the season (to sing before an Astros game),” Cooper said.